THE SOYA BEAN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 80, 11 May 1914, Page 11

THE SOYA BEAN.

During the last fifteen or twenty years the soy, soya, or soja bean, as it is called, lias been extensively grown ia certain parts of the United States, and Also to a small extent in Australia. It closely resembles the cow pea, is of bush form, and grows to a height of from 2ft to sft. According to American authorities it is somewhat more resistant to frost than garden beans, and is grown as far north in the United States as maize. The soya bean forms the basis of the artificial milk which, is claimed to have been manufactured by London chemists. As with lucerne, it is probable that the soil will require inoculating in this country, for in the States the Agricultural Department considered it advisable to offer to supply farmers with a limited quantity of soya bean bacteria" for inoculating new soils. In describing this bean, the New South Wales "Gazette" says:—The seed pods are clustered on the main

! stems and branches, are one to two inches long, and contain from one to two inches long, and contain from one to three seeds or beans. They give a [greater yield of beans than cow peas. tThey are not training in habit, hence are more easily harvested. They [mature early, but .last longer than cow : peas, and afford a longer season for pigs to feed on theni. Either the green forage, hay, or beans should be associated with other foods owing to their richness. In feeding the bean it should not be more than one-fifth of the total ration. As high as 10 bushels of beans to the acre have been harvested here; These are classified as the richest of: all natural vegetable foods, and should? be used to strengthen the ration in protein. With their aid pigs can then be fed with potatoes, maize,' barley, rye,: or other starchy foods. As a green for-;; age crop they are hightly appreciated; by pigs, and afford a more nutritious diet even than cow peas. The plant can be converted into hay in a similar way to that of cow peas. As silage it has been found most successful when mixed with twice its weight of green maize. The Soya bean requires a good loamy soil well drained, although like the eow pea it is adapted to a wide range of soils. A deep, firm, well-tilled, moist seedbed is required here. It should be ploughed to a good depth about the end of July or beginning of August and worked (harrowed and rolled) to a fine tilth. Should fertilisers-b« required, xise that recommended for cow peas. The seed should be sown when all chances of frost are over; as a rule the beginning of October is best, when some warmth is in the soil. Sow in drills 2ft 6in to 3ft apart. One plant should be permitted to grow every 6in. From 81b to 101b- of seed per acre is needed. Shallop cultivation should follow until the plants are well grown. The quickly maturing plant and pods ripen in from seventyfive to ninety-five days. It is a good drought resister. As a food for pigs, either as' beans, | green forage, or hay, it has a high repu-. tation. The animals fatten quickly, are always thrifty, with strong appetites; the hair and skin acquire a glossy look, and the skin feels as if they were j fed on oil meate.